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The GLAAD Wrap: Another Gay Poet for Franco, Weeds Kicks Off With Lesbian Love, and MTV is Casting for Coming Out Day

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBT-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.

1)Actor James Franco has already amassed an impressive resume in regards to LGBT-related projects, having recently played openly gay beat poet Alan Ginsberg in the GLAAD Media Award nominated film Howl. He’s also optioned a biography of actor Sal Mineo in which he may end up playing the title role. Not only does Franco star as gay poet Hart Crane in the new film The Broken Tower, but he also wrote, directed, and produced it. An early report from a recent screening called the film “defiantly unconventional and impressionistic film,” and mentioned it includes extended shots of the poet simply reading his work, as well as “a string of gay relationships.” So far the film is mainly making news for its inclusion of one love scene between Franco and another man that is said to “all but guarantee[s] an NC-17 rating.” Though this is uncommon enough for a headliner like Franco, what he should really be commended for is his consistent success in bringing so many pieces of LGBT history to life.

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2) Fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of Showtime’s Weeds on Monday night may be may be pleased to learn that the upcoming season will bring with it a new lesbian or bisexual character, following last season’s inclusion of Linda Hamilton as a lesbian pot dealer. It seems Nancy, who was arrested in last season’s finale, hasn’t spent her time in prison alone. Judging by the clip posted on AfterEllen, she’s been getting along very well with her cellmate, who’s quite upset to see her leave. Whether this means Nancy herself no longer identifies as straight remains to be seen, but this should make a lot of Fried Green Tomatoes fans very happy.

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3)MTV and Bunim-Murray Productions (they make The Real World, among other shows) are looking for “extraordinary” young people between the ages of 16 and 24 for a special set to air on October 11, which is National Coming Out Day. More specifically, they’re looking for people who want to come out and can explain the fears and inspirations driving them to do so, or people with a particularly unique coming out story to share. Anyone interested who fits the above description should click here to fill out the form, or send their name, contact info, photo, and the reasons they want to take part to comingoutcasting@gmail.com.

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4)Rumors have surfaced that a sequel (or prequel) to the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer might be in the works. The original film’s director and cowriter confirmed that a second film is being seriously considered, and actor Paul Rudd chimed in that he thinks that his Summer cast mates “would all be up for doing it.” The original focused on the last day of a summer camp in 1981 and was a veritable who’s who of funny people including Rudd, Amy Poehler, Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, and Elizabeth Banks. It also featured a subplot between two gay characters, played by Bradley Cooper (yes, that Bradley Cooper) and Michael Ian Black.RByrRpURS5s

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5) In I am the Water, You are the Sea, director Malachi Leopold is hoping to capture a remarkable love story on film that happens to be the true story of his uncle. In 1967, Alex was on a Peace Corps mission to the Middle East where he fell in love with a closeted Muslim man named Ali. Living in Tehran, they spent 10 years together in a secret relationship before Alex was forced to flee the country during the Iranian revolution. Now over thirty years later, Leopold is hoping to tell their story and travel with Alex back to Iran to film their reunion. The project has already received some advance coverage, but Leopold is still trying to carry the film over the finish line financially. Check out the film’s trailer below and visit its Kickstarter page here.

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GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBT acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.more about GLAAD >>